Clear skies and enthusiastic participants greeted the waiting crowds Saturday as the 39th annual MLK / Black History Parade rolled through downtown Minden, capping this year’s celebration themed “Lift every voice. Live every dream.”
Residents lined the streets under sunny cool skies as floats, decorated vehicles, civic groups, marching bands, and sidewinders made their way along the parade route. Organizers said the event honored the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. while celebrating Black history and Black excellence.
“The MLK/Black History Parade celebrated the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King as well as Black History and Black Excellence,” said Fayrine Kennon-Gilbert, chairperson of the MLK Celebration committee. “Participants reflected on Black History accomplishments past and present.”
Grand marshal Lessie Brown was recognized and honored during the program. Brown has dedicated more than 50 years to education, teaching English, French, and Spanish in East Baton Rouge, West Baton Rouge, Bossier, and Webster parishes. Organizers noted her lasting impact on generations of students across the region.
Following the parade, awards were presented in several categories.
In the Best Decorated Car category, Applying Pressure Riders received first place, Phi Delta Kappa Sorority, Epsilon Rho Chapter placed second, and Rising Stars Mentoring earned third.
For Best Decorated Float, O.E.S. J.L. Jones Chapter No. 18 took first place, followed by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Iota Rho Omega Chapter in second, and Krewe of Phillips in third.
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Youth Initiatives, Minden Alumnae Chapter earned first place for Most Spirited Group. TNT Stars placed second, and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Gamma Rho Chapter placed third.
In the Best Band Performance category, Minden High School received first place, with Ridgewood Middle School earning second.
The 2026 MLK Endow A Dream Scholarship recipients were also announced. This year’s seven recipients are Rachel Fincher of Minden High School; Ivion Harris of North Webster High School; Cailyn Lofton of Minden High School; Shadavion Martin of Doyline High School; Ta’Kyjia Robinson of Minden High School; Summer Willis of Minden High School; and Topher Wilson of Minden High School.
Organizers said the parade and awards ceremony reflected strong community support and highlighted the accomplishments of local students and organizations. With music, celebration and recognition of achievement, the event concluded the 39th annual observance by bringing residents together in a shared commitment to unity, service and the continued pursuit of the dream Dr. King championed.
